I am moving to IOWA (Des Moines, Rockwell: relocate, budget, travel)

[lynott]

Hi all

I think I didn't write the Title of my message properly. I meant IOWA.
I am a Spaniard planning to move to Iowa soon. I am a teacher, and would move there with my family. The thing is that I know a few things about geography, resources, travelling, culture, celebrations... But I don't have much information about life there in practical terms: housing, cost of living ...
So, I would really appreciate any information you could give me, as I am really excited about this new experience.

Thanks and see you soon

[Luke9686@msn.com]

While Iowa is not the most exciting place, it is definately a nice place to raise a family. I am from Des Moines, currently living in California. The schools in Cali don't even compare to those in Iowa. I run into kids, that lack even general knowledge of certain subjects, things you learn in elementary school in Iowa. I would recommend moving to the Des Moines area if you are going to relocate. Des Moines is undergoing a renovation at the time, and home prices are steadily rising. As home values go, you can get a nice home for $150,000 and up. I recomend the western suburbs of Des Moines, although the eastern suburbs are nice also. If you want to move to the city, I recommend going there first because the neighborhoods can be hit and miss. There are plenty of events going on to keep you satisfied. Downtown is undergoing renovation, adding things to do. Once you get there, pick up one of those events magazines and check things out.

[MoMark]

I live a bit further down the continent in southern Missouri, but I can tell you, Luke is right! Iowa is beautiful, inexpensive relatively speaking, and the people are among the friendliest in the the USA. If anything, Iowa is almost Norman Rockwell Americana. I think it's beautiful! The only shock to a Spaniard might well be that winter there can be a bit ...crisp But you'll get used it it, just keep some of your budget open for winter clothes shopping!